Ford Transit van dashboard accessory mounting plate

This is a 2-piece clamp-on dashboard mounting plate for smart phones, GPS, video display, dashcam camera, aux switch panels, etc. It fits in the dashboard center pocket and clamps onto the edge of the dashboard. No drilling is required. Removing it is quick and easy by removing two topside socket head cap screws. This is useful, for example, in a keyless ignition vehicle if the key fob battery dies and you need to access the PassiveKey Backup position in the bottom of the dashboard pocket.  

It has been extensively tested on a 2022 Transit 350 XLT passenger van with a factory 12” console display. It is very solid and secure.

Printed part dimensions: Plate 9W x 6.65D x 2.3H inches, Mounting block 9W x 2.1D x 0.83H inches

The 2 parts are printed with black PETG for strength, rigidity, and resistance to UV and high temperature. The black color minimizes reflections in the windshield. I recommend using 0.20mm or 0.15mm and 15% infill, and supports everywhere. I added a modifier cylinder around each of the two M6 bolt holes in both parts, with 4 perimeter layers. It should be printed on a textured surface.

The plate incorporates 2 x RAM Mounts 5-inch composite Tough Tracks, and slots for ¼” bolts. Contact surfaces are padded with weather stripping.

Required hardware (estimated cost $45):

1. 2 x M6 x 40mm socket head cap screws

2. 2 x M6 x 12mm washers

3. 2 x M6 8020 40-series hammerhead T-nuts (or M6 hex nuts)

4. 16 x M5 x 18mm (or #10 x 0.75") black pan head screws (head dia. <9.9mm)

5. 16 x M5 (or #10) nyloc nuts, or regular nuts with blue threadlocker 

6. ½“ wide x 1/8“ thick high density closed cell adhesive weather stripping

7. 2 x RAM Mounts 5-in composite Tough Track rails

8. Hot glue and black silicone sealer optional

Stainless steel hardware is recommended to prevent rust.

Optional accessory hardware (estimated cost $70): RAM Mounts T-bolt ball, composite medium arm, and X-Grip large phone holder, all using B-size 1” ball. Lower cost alternatives are available on Amazon and elsewhere.

To assemble:

1. Insert the 2 x RAM Tough Track rails in the recesses of the plate and fasten with M5 (or #10) screws and nyloc nuts until just snug. Do not over-tighten. 

2. Press-fit the 2 x M6 hammerhead T-nuts into the end cavities of the mounting block. If loose, or if using M6 hex nuts, the nuts can secured in their correct positions with hot glue. The size of the cavities should prevent the nuts from turning. If desired, the cavity openings can be hidden with black silicone sealant. 

3. Attach weather stripping to the contact surfaces as shown in the photo.

To install: 

1. Set the plate in the dashboard center pocket. 

2. Slide the mounting block in from the side behind the console display. 

3. Insert the two M6 x 40mm bolts and washers and tighten until just snug. Do not over-tighten.